Apparatus for irradiating a liquid

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method are provided wherein a liquid to be irradiated is formed into the shape of an unsupported thin stream; the stream is irradiated from a source of radiation which is disposed in spaced relationship to the liquid stream. The apparatus has numerous utilities such as, for example, disinfecting contaminated liquids by subjecting them to ultraviolet or infra-red radiation. Oxygen can be supplied to the radiation zone of the apparatus in the case of ultra-violet radiation to produce an oxidizing atmosphere of ozone in contact with the liquid. The apparatus possesses numerous advantages over previously described apparatus as discussed in greater detail in the attached specification.

United States Patent Kompanek [54] APPARATUS FOR IRRADIATING A LIQUID[72] inventor: Andrew Joseph Kompanek, Lansdale, Pa.

Controlex Corporation of America, North Salem, Croton Falls, N.Y.

[22] Filed: J 16,1970

[ Appl.No.: 46,644

[73] Assignee:

52 use! ..2s0/43,250/44,2so/49 51 met. ..H01j37 00 5s FieldoiSearch..2s0/43,44,4s,49

[15] 3,659,096 [451 Apr. 25, 1972 Primary Examiner-James W. LawrenceAssistant Examiner-C. E. Church Attorney-Lawrence W. Flynn 57 ABSTRACTAn apparatus and method are provided wherein a liquid to be irradiatedis formed into the shape of an unsupported thin stream; the stream isirradiated from a source of radiation which is disposed in spacedrelationship to the liquid stream. The apparatus has numerous utilitiessuch as, for example, disinfecting contaminated liquids by subjectingthem to ultraviolet or infra-red radiation. Oxygen can be supplied tothe radiation zone of the apparatus in the case of ultra-violetradiation to produce an oxidizing atmosphere of ozone in contact withthe liquid. The apparatus possesses numerous advantages ovcr previouslydescribed apparatus as discussed in greater detail in the attachedspecification.

29 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTED APR 2 5 I972 SHEET 10F 3 FIGI.

PATENTED APR 2 5 m2 SHEET 2 OF 3 ML ///M%/ a w FIGB.

PATENTED APR 2 5 1972 SHEET 3 BF 3 FIG.4.

FIG.6.

IHH/ H APPARATUS FOR IRRADIATING A LIQUID BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to an apparatus for irradiating a liquid withvarious types of radiant energy in a variety of useful applications.

A number of devices have been heretofore described for the purpose ofirradiating liquids. Liquids are subjected to radiation such as, forexample, infra-red radiation or ultra-violet radiation for numerousreasons. It is known, for example, that a liquid containing pathogenicorganisms can be disinfected by subjecting the liquid to ultra-violet orinfra-red radiation, and devices have been described for this purpose.

In one such device, an ultra-violet lamp is directly-immersed in theliquid to be disinfected. A disadvantage of this device is the reducedefficiency of the ultra-violet radiation which occurs because the lampis cooled by the liquid flowing past it. Moreover, if the liquid iswater or another material which contains dissolved minerals, it is knownthat the minerals deposit out of the liquid on to the lamp surface toform a coating on i the surface of the lamp. As the coating builds up,it reduces the efficiency of the ultra-violet radiation by absorbingsome of the radiation and blocking the passage of radiation into theliquid; the coating must be removed at periodic intervals for efficientoperation and devices have been described to effectuate removal of thiscoating.

In another device, the ultra-violet lamp is enclosed in a sheath or isotherwise physically separated from the liquid which it irradiates.While such devices avoid the problem resulting from cooling the lamp,mineralsdissolved in the liquid still depositout upon the sheath orother separator layer to form a coating thereon which reduces theefficiency of the radiation and necessitates undesirable periodiccleaning of the sheath. Moreover, the sheath itself will frequentlyabsorb the radiation, further detracting from the efficiency of theradiatron.

In many ultra-violet radiation devices, the loss of efficiency describedabove limits the device to use with liquids having rather lowcoefficients of radiation absorption such as, for example, clear liquidsor liquids with little, if any, solids content. Moreover, since suchdevices must often irradiate relatively thick masses of liquid, andsince the efficiency of the radiation is inversely proportional to thethickness of the liquid irradiated, it again becomes necessary to limitthe liquids to those having low coefficients of radiation absorption inorder to make effective use of the radiation in, example, a waterdisinfecting device.

In some devices, it is necessary to provide means for agitating theliquid during exposure to the radiation or'to provide cumbersome baffleplates or other arrangements to provide a circuitous or tortuous pathfor the liquid as it passes through the radiation zone. 4

A further disadvantage of previously described irradiating devices isthat often no provision exists for supplying oxygen to the liquid duringthe course of the irradiation. The presence of oxygen is desirable,especially in devices which are disinfecting waste streams such assewage, in order to supply at least a portion of the chemical oxygendemand of the liquid as it passes through the radiation device;moreover, the oxygen provides a source of ozone when the oxygen issubjected to radiation such as ultra-violet radiation of an appropriatewave length; the presence of ozone assists in ridding the liquid ofvarious organic taste and odor molecules by the expedient of oxidizingthese molecules into relatively tasteless and odorless molecules, a featordinarily not achievable using radiation alone.

It is a general object of this invention, therefore, to provide anapparatus of simple construction for continuously irradiating a liquidwhich eliminates or minimizes the various disadvantages of previouslydescribed devices.

It is another object of thisinvention to provide an apparatus whereinthe source of radiation is not directly immersed, or otherwise incontact with, the liquid it is irradiating so as to avoid loss ofradiation efficiency due to the combined effect of the cooling of theradiation source and the formation of undesirable deposits upon theouter surface of the radiation source.

it is still another object of this invention to provide an apparatuswhich provides for the elimination of a sheath or other physicalseparating layer between the radiation source and the liquid so as toeliminate the loss of radiation efficiency caused by the sheath itselfas well as the deposits upon the sheath or layer.

it is another object of'this invention to provide an apparatus whichpermits'effective radiation of liquids of widely varying coefficients ofradiation absorption and, in particular, liquids having'relatively highcoefficients of radiation absorption.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus whereinthe radiation is employed in an efficient manner so as to reduce thequantity of radiation required in any given application.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus whereinit is not necessary to agitate the liquid or to insure that the liquidfollows a circuitous or tortuous route as it passes through theradiation zone.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an apparatuswhereby a contaminated liquid can be supplied with oxygen whilesimultaneously being irradiated so as to provide oxygen to reduce thebiochemical oxygen demand 'of the liquid and, furthermore, to supplyoxygen for conversion into ozone in the case where the radiation iscapableof transforming oxygen into ozone. in the latter case theapparatus not only disinfects the liquid but also simultaneouslydestroys undesirable organic molecules by oxidizing these molecules intoless noxious forms. v I

It is a further object of this invention to provide a device of simpleconstruction for continuously irradiating a liquid in a variety ofapplications employing a variety of sources and types of radiation.

These and other objects of this invention will be apparent from acomplete reading of this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION in accordance with this invention, the aboveenumerated advantages are obtained by providing an apparatus whichcomprises means for forming an inlet feed stream of the liquid to betreated into an unsupported layer or stream, preferably of thinthickness, which is then contacted with radiation from an ionizingradiation source which is disposed adjacent to the unsupported stream ofliquid, but in spaced relationship to the stream, so as to eliminate anycontact between the radiation source and the liquid. The stream ofliquid is separated from the radiation source by a gaseous atmospheresuch as, for example, air or oxygen. The thin stream of irradiatedliquid is then discharged from the apparatus or, optionally, collectedand then discharged.

By employing a thin stream of liquid which does not contact theradiation source and which is separated from the radiation source onlyby air or another gas, it is seen that the radiation source is notimmersed in the liquid nor is any surface provided upon which mineralsor other constituents present in the liquid can deposit to form aradiation barrier layer between the radiation source and the liquid.Moreover, since the liquid is maintained in the configuration of a thinlayer, the effectiveness of the radiation in the liquid is greatlyenhanced to the point where, not only is less radiation intensityrequired in a given application, but also, because of the efficiency,liquids with relatively high coefficients of radiation absorption can beeffectively penetrated by the radiation. Thus, colored liquids,

'unclear'liquids, and liquids containing dissolved solids or finelydivided suspended solids can be effectively processed through theapparatus. Moreover, the presence of the gaseous atmosphere between theradiation source and the stream of liquid provides a convenient meansfor introducing an oxygen containing vapor such as air or oxygen intothe apparatus to contact both the radiation and the liquid so as topermit conversion of the oxygen into ozone, at least in the presence ofappropriate ultra-violet radiation, thereby providing means foroxidizing undesirable organic molecules to less noxious forms. Thepresence of oxygen within the apparatus can also supply at least aportion of the biochemical oxygen demands of the liquid passing throughthe apparatus in the case of a disinfecting or sewage treatingoperation.

In a typical apparatus, a liquid such as water which contains pathogenicorganisms is continuously fed to a nozzle assembly which transforms theliquid feed stream into an annular unsupported stream of liquid whichcascades from the nozzle assembly and surrounds a source of radiationsuch as one or more ultra-violet lamps. The ultra-violet lamps transmitultraviolet radiation through the gaseous atmosphere separating thelamps from the liquid stream and into liquid stream during its cascade.If oxygen is present, and the required ultra-violet wave-length isemployed, ozone is generated which contacts the cascading liquid streamto oxidize organic molecules contained therein. The irradiated liquidstream is then collected in a receptacle at the bottom of the apparatusand withdrawn therefrom.

The term liquid stream as used herein is employed in a broad connotationand is meant to designate liquid in any configuration which presents athin layer or film for the radiation to impinge upon and includes acontinuous film of liquid, discontinuous or segmented films of liquid,and aerated streams of liquid such as typically emanate from a nozzleassembly.

In addition to the use of the apparatus in ultra-violetly disinfectingcontaminated liquids such as, for example, sewage or swimming poolwater, the apparatus is also useful in any application which requiresefficient irradiation of a liquid. For example, it is eminently suitablefor continuously subjecting a liquid comprising one or more ingredientsto infra-red radiation for purpose of catalyzing a chemical reaction orfor disinfecting the liquid. Generally, ultra-violet radiation ispreferred for disinfecting applications because of its relativelysimpler ease of operation.

The term radiation source as used herein is employed broadly and meansany suitable means forcreating radiation for transmission into theliquid stream. It includes, for example, sources of ultra-violet andinfra-red radiation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of apreferred embodiment of the apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view taken generally along lines 2-2 of FIG.1 showing only the nozzle assembly of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the outer dome of theapparatus of FIG. 1 showing means for supplying oxygen to the interiorof the apparatus.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are fragmentary side sectional views of the apparatusshown in FIG. 1 illustrating means for effectively contacting the liquidwith oxygen.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of anapparatus of this invention, suitable for irradiating a thin,unsupported stream of liquid, is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. Referringto these Figures, and FIG. 1 in particular, it is seen that theapparatus comprises a bottom cylindrical receptacle chamber 10 which isadapted to receive and collect the irradiated liquid 10a prior to itsdischarge from the apparatus through the discharge conduit 11 whichcommunicates with the interior of chamber 10. Resting atop chamber 10,and affixed thereto by a fastening device 12, is a cover dome 13 havingfrustoconical walls 13a which taper inwardly as they recede fromreceptacle chamber 10 to enclose the upper portion of the apparatus.

integrally attached to the bottom surface 14 of chamber 10 is a hollowhousing 15 which functions to provide access into the apparatus forliquid feed conduit 16 and electrical cable 17 which energizes theradiation source of the apparatus.

Conduit l6 proceeds horizontally through the cavity 15a of housing 15until it communicates with the bottom of vertical feed conduit 18 whichdirects the incoming liquid feed stream to nozzle assembly 19 at the topof the apparatus. The bottom 20 of conduit 18 rests on top of anapertured circular base plate 21 which is disposed within externalcircular recess 22 in the bottom surface 14 of chamber 10 and is rigidlyafiixed thereto by screws 23. Conduit 18 has its lower end 20 insertedinto the vertical cylindrical chamber 24 integral with housing 15,vertical chamber 24 communicating with horizontal chamber 15a.

Nozzle assembly 19 comprises a cylindrical block 25 containing therein avertical axial conduit 26. As best seen in FIG. 3, the base of conduit26 is provided with a counterbore 27 which contains a peripheral groove28 into which an O-ring 29 or other suitable sealing means is insertablein order to provide effective sealing between conduit 18 and conduit 26.The top of conduit 18 is seated against counterbore 27.

Block 25 further includes a plurality of substantially evenly spaced,upwardly inclined, conduits 30 which communicate with axial conduit 26and extend radially outward therefrom to direct liquid feed from conduit26 to the outside surfaces of block 25. Block 25 further includes aplurality of vertical conduits 31, as best seen in FIG. 3, eachcontaining a counterbore 32 which defines an upper vertical chamber 33commu nicating with conduit 31, chamber 33 containing disposed therein aconventional socket means 34 which rests atop counter-bore 32 to receiveand electrically communicate with male prongs 35 of ultra-violet lamps36 which extend upwardly through the conduit 31.

Noule assembly 19 further includes an inverted hollow frustroconical cup40, the wall 41 of which circumscribes the outer circular surface 42 ofblock 25 and tapers inwardly toward surface 42 as it recedes from thebottom 43 of cup 40. The outer surface 42 of block 25 and the innersurface 44 of wall 41 of cup define a chamber 45 of a tapered annularconfiguration which communicates with radially extending conduits 30 ofblock 25. Chamber 45 narrows at its bottom to define a thin annulus 46from which the liquid fed to chamber 45 through conduits 30 emanates asan annular cascading thin stream 47 (see FIG. 1) which passes throughthe zone of radiation 48 emanating from lamps 36. Cylindrical block 25has integrally attached thereto at its bottom a protruding peripherallip 46a adapted to project the annular liquid stream 47 radially outwardfrom the nozzle assembly 19 to insure physical separation of stream 47from lamps 36. Stream 47 is unsupported and falls under the influence ofgravity in spaced relationship from lamps 36, with the irradiated liquidof stream 47 plunging downwardly into receptacle chamber 10 where it iscollected and then withdrawn through conduit 11. The atmosphere withindome 13 is usually air or oxygen so that stream 47 is separated fromlamps 36 by a gas gap 48a whose width varies vertically through theapparatus.

Cup 40 is affixed to block 25 by means of screws 49. Cup 40 furtherincludes a plurality of vertical conduits 50, as best seen in FIG. 3,each of which communicates with a chamber 33 of block 25 to provideelectrical communication of electrical cable 17 with the ultra-violetlamp socket 34 disposed in chamber 33. 7

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, it is seen that feed conduit 18 contains acoaxially aligned second conduit which functions to carry electricalcable 17 from its inlet to the apparatus up to sockets 34. Conduit 60extends, at its upper end, beyond the end of conduit 18 and throughvertical axial conduit 61 of member 25, conduit 61 communicating withconduit 26 of block 25 and vertial axial conduit 62 of cup 40, emergingwith a threaded end 63 through the bottom 43 of cup 40. As best seen inFIG. 3, conduit 61 is provided at its top with a peripheral groove 64containing an O-ring 65 or other suitable sealing means which funtionsto prevent liquid leakage out of conduit 26. Threaded end 63 hasattached thereto a nut 66 which is fastened against bottom 43 ofinverted cup 40 to firmly align conduit 60 within vertical conduit 61.Cable 17 enters conduit 60 at its bottom, passes the entire length ofconduit 60 and emerges at the top of the conduit whereupon it passesthrough conduits 50 of cup 40 into chambers 33 of block 25 toelectrically communicate with sockets 34. Referring to FIG. 2, it isseen that a sufficient number of cables 17 must be provided toelectrically energize the plurality of sockets 34 which can exist in theapparatus.

Cover dome 13 has a circular peripheral projection 70 rising from itsinner surface 71 at the top portion of the dome which is adapted to fitin a circular recess 72 of cup 40. Projection 70 is provided with aperipheral groove 73 in its surface adjacent cup 40 which contains anO-ring 74 or other suitable sealing means to prevent contact of liquidfrom the interior of dome 13 with electrical cables 17.

Lamps 36 can comprise one or more conventional ultraviolet radiationsource means such as, for example, mercury vapor cold cathode lamps orhot cathode lamps of the mercury vapor type. In a preferred embodiment,a plurality of U- shaped mercury vapor cold cathode lamps are employedin a configuration which circumscribes conduit 18 as shown in theaccompanying drawings. In such a case, the lamps are disposed within thecascading curtain 47 of unsupported liquid. In another embodiment, theradiation sources may be disposed peripherally around the cascadingliquid stream in spaced relationship to the stream. The lamps may be ofa variety of geometric configurations; for example, they can be of ahelical or delta shape or they may comprise a nest of straight tubesmounted in a frustoconical pattern.

It is known that ultra-violet radiation is effective in destroyingpathogenic microorganisms in liquids to thereby disinfect the liquids.Substantially any wavelength of emitted radiation falling within theultra-violet range is sufficient for this purpose although it is knownthat maximum effectiveness is obtained at a wave-length of about 2537Angstrom units.

The lamps 36 are ordinarily maintained at a temperature of about 105F.plus or minus F. for maximum effectiveness. The distance between thelamps 36 and liquid stream 47 can vary considerably depending upon anumber offactors such as the thickness of stream 47, the intensity ofradiation available from lamps 36, and the radiation absorptioncoefficient of the liquid. In general, a distance of about l to 6 inchesbetween the surfaces of lamps 36 and stream 47 is desirable, with adistance of about 2V2 to 3 /2 inches preferred. Distances greater than 6inches can, of course, be employed but usually require higher intensitylamps.

The ultra-violet radiation travels in a direction which is substantially90 straight out from the vertical lamps 36 so as to permit exposure ofliquid stream 47 to ultra-violet radiation for substantially the entirevertical length of the lamps. The exposure time of stream 47 to theultra-violet radiation can be varied with the length of the lamp, againdepending upon the intensity of radiation, the distance between thelamps and the liquid, and the nature of the liquid being irradiated.

The ultra-violet lamps are conveniently energized by electricallyconnecting them to a conventional l 10 V. power supply at electricaljunction 75 although a ballast or transformer should be disposed at somepoint between the power supply and the apparatus.

For most effective results, stream 47 is maintained as thin as possible.The thickness of stream 47 can be readily controlled by simplyincreasing or decreasing the thickness of annulus 46 from which theliquid emanates. The thinner the stream is maintained, the higher arethe radiation absorption coefficients of the liquids which can beeffectively processed. Generally, it is preferable to use thinnerstreams with colored liquids or liquids containing suspended ordissolved solids since such liquids ordinarily possess high radiationabsorption coefficients. In general, liquid stream thicknesses betweenabout I mm. and 2 mm. are preferred.

It should be noted that stream 47 is not agitated nor is it subjected toa circuitous or tortuous route as it passes through radiation zone 48. v

It is known that if the wave-length of the ultra-violet radiationemployed is about l849 Angstrom units, and there is oxygen present incontact with the radiation, the ultra-violet radiation will convert atleast some of the oxygen to ozone which can then be employed to oxidizeundesirable organic components of liquid stream 47. As can be seen fromFIG. 1, in ordinary operation there will always be some oxygen presentwithin the interior dome 13 by virtue of the air present therein so thatif the appropriate wave-length of ultra-violet radiation is employed,liquid stream 47 will be exposed to both ultra-violet radiation andozone. To further increase the supply of ozone and/0r oxygen availablewithin dome 13, the wall 13a of dome 13 is provided with an oxygensupply conduit such as is shown in FIG. 4 to inject additional oxygen inthe form of pure oxygen, air or other oxygen containing vapor into theinterior of dome 13.

Referring to FIG. 4, it is seen that conduit 80 extends throughcascading liquid stream 47 and into proximity with ultra-violet lamps 36whereupon conduit 80 bends upwardly at an approximately angle todischarge a stream of oxygen containing vapor vertically upward intoradiation zone 48. The discharge end 81 of conduit 80 is preferablydisposed in proximity to the lower portion of of lamps 36 so as tomaximize exposure of the discharged vapor to the radiation emitted fromlamps 36. It is preferable that the discharge end 81 of conduit 80 bedisposed within radiation zone 48 for most efficient conversion ofoxygen to ozone; this eliminates the necessity for the oxygen containingvapor to penetrate liquid stream 47 in order to enter radiation zone 48.It is likewise preferable that the vapor be discharged from conduit 80in close proximity to lamps 36 in order to render ozone generation moreefficient.

Dome 13 is provided with aperture 82 (see FIG. 1) which containsdisposed therein a piece of mesh screen 83. Aperture 82 prevents anundesirable buildup of pressure within the apparatus particularly in thecase where vapor is injected by conduit 80 into dome 13. Screen 83functions as a filter.

Cover dome 13, while not essential, is provided as a means for shieldingpersons in proximity to the apparatus from the ultra-violet radiation,and is preferably fabricated from a material which will reflect theultra-violet or other radiation being employed. Aluminum is a suitablematerial for ultraviolet radiation shielding; similarly, dome 13 couldbe fabricated from a plastic having deposited on its surface a metallicreflective coating. The dome 13 can also be fabricated from stainlesssteel which offers added protection against the corrosive effects ofozone.

The particular geometric configuration of dome 13 is of no specialsignificance. The lower portions of the dome can be interiorly adaptedto collect the cascading stream 47 of irradiated liquid in a mannerwhich minimizes splashing or spattering of the liquid at the surface ofthe liquid 10a contained in receptacle chamber 10.

As an additional feature of the apparatus of this invention, it isdesirable to provide means for effecting a high interfacial surface areacontact between the liquid fed to the apparatus and the gaseousatmosphere within the apparatus. This insures intimate contact betweenthe liquid and the gaseous atmosphere which, in turn, makes the mostefficient use of the oxygen or ozone present in the apparatus to eithersupply at least a portion of the biochemical oxygen demand of the liquidor to oxidize undesirable organic molecules contained in the liquid,respectively.

Typical means for effectuating such contact between the liquid and thegaseous atmosphere within the apparatus are exemplified in FIGS. 5 and6. Referring to FIG. 5, an annular mesh screen 90 containing a circularaperture 91 rests atop peripheral lip 92 which extends inwardly from thewall of receptacle chamber 10. Screen 90 is disposed above the surfaceof the liquid 10a contained in chamber 10. As cascading liquid stream 47contacts screen 90, it fragments to result in a high interfacial surfacearea contact between the fragmented liquid and the gaseous atmospherewithin the apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 6, a rigid annular perforated basket 100 havingvertical side walls 101 rests atop lip 92. Basket 100 contains a typicalhigh surface area packing material 102 such as Rashig rings, Pall Rings,or finely divided spheroidal particles. The packing material functionsin the same manner as described hereinabove for screen 90 of FIG. 5.

Screen 90 or packing material 102 can be disposed at any convenientlocation within the apparatus.

The collection and retention of the liquid in chamber 10 for atleast abrief period before discharging it from the apparatus through conduit 1l is desirable because it provides additional time for the liquid tocontact the ozone or oxygen present within the apparatus which permitsfurther oxidation of organic matter in the liquid and for the liquid tosatisfy more of its biochemical oxygen demand.

The apparatus of this invention is eminently suitable for processingliquids containing therein suspended solids provided the solids aresufficiently small as to not interfere with the effective operation ofthe apparatus. In particular, the solids must be of sufficiently smallsize as to not plug annulus 46.

It is readily seen that it is a simple expedient to replace theultra-violet source means 36 with any other known radiation source meanssuch as, for example, a source of infra-red radiation, so as toirradiate stream 47 in substantially the same manner as in the case ofultra-violet irradiation. in such a case, the dome 13 is fabricated froma material adapted to provide shielding for the appropriate type ofradiation being employed.

It is likewise apparent that liquid stream 47 need not flow in asubstantially vertical pattern as illustrated in the drawings but canalso flow in any type of a pattern providedthat it is maintained inspaced relationship to the radiation source. For example, the apparatusdescribed in the drawing could be tilted somewhat from its verticalposition and still be operable.

The specific embodiments of the apparatus of this invention describedhereinabove are illustrative only and such alterations and modificationsthereof as would be suggested to one skilled in the art are contemplatedto fall in the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for irradiating a liquid comprising:

a. means for forming an unsupported film of said liquid;

b. liquid feed conduit means communicating with said means for formingan unsupported liquid film;

c. ionizing radiation source means disposed adjacent to, but in spacedrelationship to, said formed unsupported liquid film so as to impingeradiation upon said liquid film, said film separated .from saidradiation source means by a gaseous atmosphere; and

d. means for energizing said radiation source means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said radiation source meanscomprises an infra-red radiation source.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a receptacle means forcollecting said unsupported liquid film, said receptacle meanscommunicating with a liquid discharge conduit means.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including radiation shielding meansenclosing said radiation source and said unsupported liquid film.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for forming saidunsupported liquid film comprises an annular nozzle assembly.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for forming anunsupported film of said liquid comprises:

a. a block containing therein (i) an axial conduit communicating withsaid liquid feed conduit means, (ii) a plurality of radially extendingconduits providing communication between said axial conduit and theouter surface of said block, and (iii) a plurality of vertical conduits,said vertical conduits having disposed therein electrical sockets meansadapted to receive said radiation source means; and

b. an inverted frustroconical cup, the bottom of said cup 5 resting uponthe top surface of said block and affixed thereto, the frustroconicalwall of said cup circumscribing the outer surface of said block andtapering inwardly towards said outer surface, said outer surface of saidblock and said frustroconical wall of said cup defining a chamber whichcommunicates with said radially extending conduits, said chambernarrowing at its bottom to define a thin nozzle from whence said liquid,fed to said chamber emanates as a thin film, said cup further containing(i) a plurality of non-axial conduits each of which communicates withone of said socket means of said block and (ii) an axial conduit, andwherein said means for energizing said radiation source means comprises(iii) an electrical feed conduit enclosed within said liquid feedconduit means, said electrical feed conduit assing through said axialconduit of said cup, and (iv) an electric cable, which is connectable toa power source, disposed within said electrical feed conduit, said cableelectrically communicating with said socket means of said block bypassage through said non-axial conduits of said cup.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said block further includes belowsaid thin nozzle, a peripheral lip adapted to direct the liquiddischarged from said annular nozzle radially outward.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said radiation source meanscomprises an ultra-violet radiation source means.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the thickness of said unsupportedliquid film ranges from about 1 millimeter to about 2 millimeters.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the wavelength of the ultra-violetradiation emitted from said radiation source converts oxygen to ozoneand further including means for supplying oxygen to contact (1) bothsides of said unsupported film, and (2) the ultra-violet radiationimpinging upon said film.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 further including ultra-violet radiationshielding means enclosing said radiation source and said unsupportedliquid film.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 further including means for effectingcontact between said liquid fed to said apparatus and the gaseousatmosphere in said apparatus.

13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the distance between saidultra-violet radiation source and said unsupported liquid film rangesfrom about 1 to about 6 inches.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said distance is from about 2% toabout 3% inches.

15. Apparatus for irradiating a liquid comprising:

a. nozzle means for forming an unsupported film of said liquid; 55 b.liquid feed conduit means communicating with said nozzle means;

c. source means for ultra-violet radiation, said source means disposedadjacent to, but in spaced relationship to, said formed unsupportedliquid film so as to impinge ultraviolet radiation upon said liquidfilm, said film separated from said radiation source means by a gaseousatmosphere;

(1. means for energizing said ultra-violet radiation source means;

e. receptacle means for collecting said unsupported liquid film; and

g. ultra-violet radiation shielding means enclosing said ultravioletsource means and said unsupported liquid film.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said source means for ultra-violetradiation comprises a plurality of quartz lamps.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said nozzle means comprises meansfor forming a thin annular liquid film, and wherein said source meansfor said ultra-violet radiation is 75 disposed within said thin annularliquid film.

18. The apparatus of claim 15 further including means for supplyingoxygen to contact (1) both sides of said unsupported film, and (2) theultra-violet radiation impinging upon said film.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the wave-length of theultra-violet radiation emitted from said ultra-violet source meansconverts oxygen to ozone.

20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said nozzle means comprises: 1

a. a block containing therein (i) an axial conduit communicating withsaid liquid feed conduits means, (ii) a plurality of radially extendingconduits providing communication between said axial conduit and theouter surface of said block, and (iii) a plurality of vertical conduits,said vertical conduits having disposed therein electrical socket meansadapted to receive said ultra-violet radiation source means; and

b. an inverted frusto-conical cup, the bottom of said cup resting uponthe top surface of said block and affixed thereto, the frustoconicalwall of said cup circumscribing the outer surface of said block andtapering inwardly towards said outer surface, as they recede, said outersurface of said block and said frustoconical wall of said cup defining achamber which communicates with said radially extending conduits, saidchamber narrowing at its bottom to define a thin nozzle whence saidliquid fed to said chamber emanates as a thin film, said cup furthercontaining (i) a plurality of non-axial conduits each of whichcommunicates with one of said socket means of said block and (ii) anaxial conduit, and wherein said means for energizing said ultra-violetsource means comprises (ii) an electrical feed conduit enclosed withinsaid liquid feed conduit means, said electrical feed conduit passingthrough said axial conduit of said cup, and (iv) an electric cable,which is connectable to a power source, disposed within said electricalfeed conduit, said cable electrically communicating with said socketmeans of said block by passage through said non-axial conduits of saidcup.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said block further includes below.said thin nozzle, a peripheral lip adapted to direct the liquiddischarged from said annular nozzle radially outward.

22. The apparatus of claim 18 further including means for effectingcontact between said liquid fed to said apparatus and the gaseousatmosphere in said apparatus.

23. The apparatus of claim 19 further including means for effectingcontact between said liquid fed to said apparatus and the gaseousatmosphere in said apparatus.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said means for effecting contactbetween said liquid fed to said apparatus and the gaseous atmosphere insaid apparatus is an open mesh screen.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said open mesh screen ishorizontally disposed above the liquid level in said receptacle means.

26. The apparatus of claim 15 further including means for effectingcontact between said liquid fed to said apparatus and the gaseousatmosphere in said apparatus.

27. A method for irradiating a liquid which comprises:

1. forming said liquid into an unsupported film;

2. maintaining a gaseous atmosphere between said film and an ionizingradiation source to separate said film from said radiation source; and

3. impinging radiation from said radiation source upon said film.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein said radiation is ultravioletradiation.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein said ultra-violet radiation has awave-length which converts oxygen to ozone, and further including thestep of supplying oxygen to contact the ultra-violet radiation impingingupon said film.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE ()F CORRECTIQN Patent No. 33 59396 Dated April 25, 1.972

Inventor(s) Andrew Joseph Kompanek It is certified that error appears inthe above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

Col. 4, line. 72, vertial should be vertical ----3 Col. 8, line 67,delete "and";

Col. 8, line 6?, insert between subsections (e) and (g) of claim 15"(:f) liquid discharge conduit means communiceting with said receptaclemeans; and

Col. 9, line 32 "(11) should be (iii) Signed and -sealed this 15th dayof. August 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M. FLETCHER JR. v ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting OfficerCommissioner of Patents F (mm o-10510 (10-09) USCOMM-DC scam-mo fi U.5,GOVERNMENY I'uINHNG OFHC! 1969 0-4604

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said radiation source meanscomprises an infra-red radiation source.
 2. maintaining a gaseousatmosphere between said film and an ionizing radiation source toseparate said film from said radiation source; and
 3. impingingradiation from said radiation source upon said film.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further including a receptacle means for collecting saidunsupported liquid film, said receptacle means communicating with aliquid discharge conduit means.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 furtherincluding radiation shielding means enclosing said radiation source andsaid unsupported liquid film.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidmeans for forming said unsupported liquid film comprises an annularnozzle assembly.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means forforming an unsupported film of said liquid comprises: a. a blockcontaining therein (i) an axial conduit communicating with said liquidfeed conduit means, (ii) a plurality of radially extending conduitsproviding communication between said axial conduit and the outer surfaceof said block, and (iii) a plurality of vertical conduits, said verticalconduits having disposed therein electrical sockets means adapted toreceive said radiation source means; and b. an inverted frustroconicalcup, the bottom of said cup resting upon the top surface of said blockand affixed thereto, the frustroconical wall of said cup circumscribingthe outer surface of said block and tapering inwardly towards said outersurface, said outer surface of said block and said frustroconical wallof said cup defining a chamber which communicates with said radiallyextending conduits, said chamber narrowing at its bottom to define athin nozzle from whence said liquid fed to said chamber emanates as athin film, said cup further containing (i) a plurality of non-axialconduits each of which communicates with one of said socket means ofsaid block and (ii) an axial conduit, and wherein said means forenergizing said radiation source means comprises (iii) an electricalfeed conduit enclosed within said liquid feed conduit means, saidelectrical feed conduit passing through said axial conduit of said cup,and (iv) an electric cable, which is connectable to a power source,disposed within said electrical feed conduit, said cable electricallycommunicating with said socket means of said block by passage throughsaid non-axial conduits of said cup.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 whereinsaid block further includes below said thin nozzle, a peripheral lipadapted to direct the liquid discharged from said annular nozzleradially outward.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said radiationsource means comprises an ultra-violet radiation source means.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the thickness of said unsupported liquidfilm ranges from about 1 millimeter to about 2 millimeters.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the wavelength of the ultra-viOletradiation emitted from said radiation source converts oxygen to ozoneand further including means for supplying oxygen to contact (1) bothsides of said unsupported film, and (2) the ultra-violet radiationimpinging upon said film.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8 further includingultra-violet radiation shielding means enclosing said radiation sourceand said unsupported liquid film.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 furtherincluding means for effecting contact between said liquid fed to saidapparatus and the gaseous atmosphere in said apparatus.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the distance between said ultra-violetradiation source and said unsupported liquid film ranges from about 1 toabout 6 inches.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said distance isfrom about 2 1/2 to about 3 1/2 inches.
 15. Apparatus for irradiating aliquid comprising: a. nozzle means for forming an unsupported film ofsaid liquid; b. liquid feed conduit means communicating with said nozzlemeans; c. source means for ultra-violet radiation, said source meansdisposed adjacent to, but in spaced relationship to, said formedunsupported liquid film so as to impinge ultra-violet radiation uponsaid liquid film, said film separated from said radiation source meansby a gaseous atmosphere; d. means for energizing said ultra-violetradiation source means; e. receptacle means for collecting saidunsupported liquid film; and g. ultra-violet radiation shielding meansenclosing said ultra-violet source means and said unsupported liquidfilm.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said source means forultra-violet radiation comprises a plurality of quartz lamps.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 15 wherein said nozzle means comprises means forforming a thin annular liquid film, and wherein said source means forsaid ultra-violet radiation is disposed within said thin annular liquidfilm.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15 further including means forsupplying oxygen to contact (1) both sides of said unsupported film, and(2) the ultra-violet radiation impinging upon said film.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18 wherein the wave-length of the ultra-violetradiation emitted from said ultra-violet source means converts oxygen toozone.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said nozzle meanscomprises: a. a block containing therein (i) an axial conduitcommunicating with said liquid feed conduits means, (ii) a plurality ofradially extending conduits providing communication between said axialconduit and the outer surface of said block, and (iii) a plurality ofvertical conduits, said vertical conduits having disposed thereinelectrical socket means adapted to receive said ultra-violet radiationsource means; and b. an inverted frusto-conical cup, the bottom of saidcup resting upon the top surface of said block and affixed thereto, thefrustoconical wall of said cup circumscribing the outer surface of saidblock and tapering inwardly towards said outer surface, as they recede,said outer surface of said block and said frustoconical wall of said cupdefining a chamber which communicates with said radially extendingconduits, said chamber narrowing at its bottom to define a thin nozzlewhence said liquid fed to said chamber emanates as a thin film, said cupfurther containing (i) a plurality of non-axial conduits each of whichcommunicates with one of said socket means of said block and (ii) anaxial conduit, and wherein said means for energizing said ultra-violetsource means comprises (ii) an electrical feed conduit enclosed withinsaid liquid feed conduit means, said electrical feed conduit passingthrough said axial conduit of said cup, and (iv) an electric cable,which is connectable to a power source, disposed within said electricalfeed conduit, said cable electrically communicating with said socketmeans of said block by passage through said non-axial conduits of saidcup.
 21. The appaRatus of claim 20 wherein said block further includesbelow said thin nozzle, a peripheral lip adapted to direct the liquiddischarged from said annular nozzle radially outward.
 22. The apparatusof claim 18 further including means for effecting contact between saidliquid fed to said apparatus and the gaseous atmosphere in saidapparatus.
 23. The apparatus of claim 19 further including means foreffecting contact between said liquid fed to said apparatus and thegaseous atmosphere in said apparatus.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22wherein said means for effecting contact between said liquid fed to saidapparatus and the gaseous atmosphere in said apparatus is an open meshscreen.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said open mesh screen ishorizontally disposed above the liquid level in said receptacle means.26. The apparatus of claim 15 further including means for effectingcontact between said liquid fed to said apparatus and the gaseousatmosphere in said apparatus.
 27. A method for irradiating a liquidwhich comprises:
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein said radiation isultra-violet radiation.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein saidultra-violet radiation has a wave-length which converts oxygen to ozone,and further including the step of supplying oxygen to contact theultra-violet radiation impinging upon said film.